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The Tar Heel State

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North Carolina Shirts & Apparel

Celebrate the pride, history, culture and lifestyle of North Carolina with premium graphic tees, hoodies, hats and gifts designed for people who love the state.

About North Carolina

The story of North Carolina

North Carolina is Blue Ridge Parkway curves, Outer Banks lighthouses, Tobacco Road basketball and the whole-hog barbecue that started an argument.

History & heritage

The 12th state to ratify the Constitution in 1789, North Carolina is where the Wright Brothers first flew at Kitty Hawk in 1903. With the state motto Esse quam videri and a founding year of 1789, North Carolina carries a history you can wear on your chest — that's what our print-on-demand apparel is here for.

Geography & landscape

The Great Smoky Mountains rise in the west, the Piedmont rolls through Charlotte and Raleigh, and the Outer Banks curve into the Atlantic. Covering 53,819 sq mi, North Carolina lies in the South region and runs on Eastern time.

Culture, food and traditions

The Tobacco Road rivalry between UNC and Duke, Carolina barbecue, NASCAR's Charlotte roots, and Asheville's music scene define the Tar Heel State. From regional flavors like Carolina barbecue, Cheerwine, Krispy Kreme to festivals such as Merlefest and NC State Fair, the culture of North Carolina shows up in every collection we design.

Sports, colleges and community

Home teams like Panthers, Hornets, Hurricanes, Tar Heels and universities such as UNC Chapel Hill, Duke, NC State anchor communities across the state — and inspire many of our North Carolina designs.

Parks, landmarks and wildlife

Landmarks like Biltmore Estate, Wright Brothers Memorial, Blue Ridge Parkway, Duke Chapel and protected lands such as Great Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, Cape Hatteras give North Carolina its outdoor identity. The state animal is the Grey Squirrel, the state bird is the Cardinal, and the state tree is the Longleaf Pine — all of which show up in our nature and park collections.

Interesting facts about North Carolina

  • The Wright Brothers made the first powered flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903.
  • North Carolina grows more sweet potatoes than any other state.
  • The Great Smoky Mountains is the most-visited national park in the U.S.
  • Charlotte is the second-largest banking center in the country.

Featured in North Carolina

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Popular cities

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Fast facts

North Carolina at a glance

Capital
Raleigh
Largest City
Charlotte
Population
10.7M
Area
53,819 sq mi
Statehood
1789
Abbreviation
NC
Time Zone
Eastern
Nickname
The Tar Heel State
Motto
Esse quam videri
State Bird
Cardinal
State Flower
Dogwood
State Tree
Longleaf Pine
State Animal
Grey Squirrel
Region
South

Why people love it

Why people love North Carolina

Living there. Locals love North Carolina for its Tar Heel identity, its banking economy, and the everyday rhythm of Charlotte.

Visiting. Travelers come for Biltmore Estate, Great Smoky Mountains, and the food scene built around Carolina barbecue.

Road trips. Classic drives connect Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro — perfect for weekend adventures and long-weekend camping.

Local pride. From Panthers game days to homecoming weekends at UNC Chapel Hill, North Carolina pride runs deep.

Frequently asked

North Carolina FAQs

Related states

States near North Carolina

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